Gary Meers, Ed.D.

About me

I am an Education Advisor/Consultant for MaxKnowledge. I write courses that assist in the professional development of career college instructors. These courses range in content from the introductory level to advanced instructional development. I started my teaching career as an instructional technology teacher on the high school level, completed graduate school and then moved into higher education. I spent many years in the area of teacher training at the University of Nebraska. While at the University of Nebraska I stared working with career college instructors to improve their instructional delivery skills. As a result of these experiences I have been a consultant to career colleges throughout the United States and a number of foreign countries.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Ray, Well said. Thank you bringing the points out so all of us can use them as reminders. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Lesson Planning

Instructors work hard at preparation prior to class and this effort pays off with enhanced student engagement and learning. Often though in the process of this planning instructors focus more on the delivery and less on the content. This can happen for several reasons, one of which is that they are teaching a standardized course using content from a corporate source. They can see how the course is broken down into sessions so they follow those session recommendations. This process works in general but sometimes students don't see how the sessions fit together to create the total learning experience. This… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Allen, This is an instructional approach that helps to keep the students engaged and focused on the content. Variety is a way to keep students on target and you are doing such with the different discussion and feedback points throughout your classes. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Allen, Thank you for sharing this example of how you provided support to a student to keep her in school. She had every reason to walk away and many would have. You showed her that you were there for her as an instructor and advocate for her success. This kept her in the program and moving toward her career goals. Great job! Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Retention Strategies

Richard, We need to always be "reading" our students so we can provide support to them as needed. By knowing they are having some challenges in their lives we can help them to stay focused on their course work and continue moving toward their career goals. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Jim, I like the way you are developing your skills as an educator. You are seeking ways to enhance and expand your expertise and this is important to your continued growth as an educator as well as effective communicator. My suggestion is to continue the strategies you are using and be open to learning new ways of sharing your content. Also, I use "goodies" in my classes as well. Adults are just taller children when it comes to being rewarded for doing a good job, plus it makes for a fun class when they earn chocolates. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Jim, I will check with tech support about your first question in relation to connecting with other math instructors. Your comments about making your content real on right on point. Math is integral to everything we do and the more appreciation and application that can be made by the students while in class the greater the understanding of the value of it. Plus, the students will need to see if they can transfer their developing math skills into their own lives each time they leave the classroom. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

David, Right you are. Risk taking is a part of career development. So the more we can help them develop the confidence needed to take risks and be critical thinking problem solvers the greater service we will be providing. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Allen, Good way to start earning their respect and developing rapport with them. This sets the stage for a successful course for everyone. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Mark, So true and such an important part of student development. If they can see the value of having a strong work ethic then they will see how they can be successful in their careers. This is what employers are looking for so the students need to develop it while in school. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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